246 Montreal

Welcome to Montreal

– where French heritage, creative energy, and North American spirit meet.

Set on an island in the St. Lawrence River, Montréal is a city shaped by contrasts. French and English mingle in its streets, centuries-old stone buildings stand beside daring modern architecture, and European-style cafés share neighborhoods with skyscrapers, street art, and buzzing markets. At the heart of Old Montréal, cobblestone streets lead past historic façades and lively squares to the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica, while the nearby Old Port opens the city toward the river that has defined it for generations.

Montréal’s character stretches far beyond its historic center. Climb the paths of Mount Royal, the green hill that gave the city its name, for sweeping views across the skyline and the St. Lawrence River. Below, distinctive neighborhoods create a patchwork of personalities, from the colorful houses and independent shops of the Plateau to the Italian flavors of Little Italy and the multicultural energy found throughout the city.

Few places embrace culture quite as enthusiastically as Montréal. Music, comedy, cinema, art, and performance spill into streets and squares throughout the year, with major festivals transforming entire parts of downtown. Murals cover once-ordinary walls, galleries showcase both established and emerging artists, and the city’s famous food scene ranges from bustling public markets to Québécois classics, smoked meat sandwiches, and bagels fiercely defended as a local institution.

Montréal also knows how to reinvent itself with the seasons. Summer fills terraces, parks, and festival stages with life, while autumn paints Mount Royal in fiery colors. When winter arrives, snow and ice transform the city rather than shutting it down, helped by an extensive underground network that keeps Montréal moving even on the coldest days.

From the bells of Notre-Dame Basilica to sunset views from Mount Royal and summer evenings alive with music, Montréal combines history, creativity, diversity, and an unmistakable joie de vivre. It is a city with one foot in Europe and the other firmly in North America, yet the personality that emerges belongs entirely to Montréal.

Highlights

⇧ Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

Notre-Dame Basilica is Montreal’s most iconic historic landmark, renowned for its dramatic Gothic Revival architecture and richly decorated interior. Deep blue ceilings, gilded details, intricate woodcarving, and magnificent stained glass create one of the most spectacular church interiors in North America.

Old Montreal

Old Montreal is the city’s atmospheric historic heart, where cobbled streets wind between centuries-old stone buildings, lively squares, galleries, and restaurants. Highlights include Place Jacques-Cartier and the elegant waterfront along the Old Port.

Mount Royal

Mount Royal rises above the city and gives Montreal both its name and its most famous panoramic viewpoint. The forested park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted offers walking trails, green spaces, and sweeping views from the Kondiaronk Belvedere.

Old Port of Montreal

The Old Port stretches along the St. Lawrence River beside the historic city center, combining waterfront promenades with recreational and cultural attractions. Its giant observation wheel, historic quays, and river views make it one of Montreal’s liveliest gathering places.

Saint Joseph’s Oratory

Saint Joseph’s Oratory crowns the slopes of Mount Royal with its enormous copper dome, one of the most recognizable features of Montreal’s skyline. The vast Catholic shrine includes a basilica, chapels, gardens, and terraces overlooking the city.

Jean-Talon Market

Jean-Talon Market is one of North America’s largest open-air markets and a colorful showcase of Montreal’s food culture. Stalls overflow with Quebec produce, cheeses, baked goods, maple products, flowers, and specialties reflecting the city’s multicultural character.

Montreal Botanical Garden

The Montreal Botanical Garden is one of the world’s largest botanical gardens, featuring extensive collections spread across themed gardens and greenhouses. Its beautifully landscaped Japanese and Chinese gardens are among its most distinctive and photogenic areas.

Habitat 67

Habitat 67 is a remarkable housing complex created by architect Moshe Safdie for Expo 67, composed of 354 interlocking concrete modules overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Its bold geometric design has become an internationally recognized symbol of modern Montreal.

Olympic Stadium

Montreal’s Olympic Stadium was built for the 1976 Summer Olympics and remains one of the city’s most distinctive modern landmarks. Its enormous oval structure is dominated by the dramatically angled Montreal Tower, the tallest inclined tower in the world.

Venue and Presenters

Bell Centre

A legendary arena in the heart of Montreal, it is home to the Montreal Canadiens and a major destination for live entertainment. Opened in 1996, it regularly welcomes international music stars, sporting events, and spectacular productions.

Charlotte Cardin

A distinctive Canadian singer-songwriter blending pop, soul, and R&B, she is known for her smoky vocals and sophisticated songwriting. Her international success has made her one of Montreal’s most prominent contemporary music stars.

Alexander Stewart

A rising Canadian pop singer-songwriter, he has gained an international following with emotional songs, polished production, and a powerful voice. His heartfelt style has established him as an exciting young presence in contemporary pop.

Cœur de Pirate

A celebrated French-Canadian singer-songwriter, she is known for intimate melodies, poetic lyrics, and her distinctive voice. Her elegant blend of piano-driven pop and chanson has made her a major figure across the Francophone music world.

Participants

41 countries

from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Oceania will be on stage in Montreal

Returning countries

Estonia and Philippines

Withdrawing countries

Lithuania

Returning Artists

16th participation

Anna Vissi / GM Champion

15th participation

Elisa Toffoli / GM Champion

12th participation

Kygo / 11th place

7th participation

Alessandra Amoroso / Bronze
Inis Neziri / 10th place

5th participation

Agoney Hernández / GM Champion

4th participation

Felix Jaehn / 8th place
Olga Lounová / 13th place
Oskar Cyms / 4th place

3rd participation

Baobei / Semi Finalist
Eden Golan / Bronze
Kadebostany / 16th place
Offer Nissim / 23rd place
Stefan Airapetjan / 22nd place

2nd participation

Algert Sala / 25th place
Arcadian / 21st place
Boka Conga / 18th place
Dhurata Dora / Semi Finalist
Jonna Aaron / 23rd place
Margaux Flavet / 26th place
Natalie Jane / Semi Finalist
Natassa Bofiliou / Semi Finalist
Ozark Henry / 21st place
Sena Sener / 4th place
Serena Brancale / 10th place
Simona Popovska / Semi Finalist
The Starlings / 13th place
Walking On Cars / 5th place

DEADLINES

October 13th:
Vote in the semi finals
Nominate an artist for Global Music Royalty

October 24th:
Vote in the final and for Global Music Royalty

October 31st:
Submit a song for the next edition